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photo: InterCityImpress / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0/BBL 15, Stolberg, Germany; Illustrative photo
Rail freight leaders discuss sustainability, digital transformation, and cross-border efficiency at a key event in Warsaw to shape Europe's future logistics.
On 28 and 29 November, rail freight industry leaders gathered in Warsaw with high-level representatives from Polish authorities and European institutions to address critical challenges and priorities facing the sector. Organized by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), in collaboration with the International Union of Railways (UIC) and hosted by PKP Cargo, the event focused on the essential role of rail freight in Europe’s economic resilience, security, and sustainable transport goals, according to the press release from CER.
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The meeting centered on the growing importance of rail freight in achieving the EU Green Deal and enhancing strategic autonomy. With Europe seeking to develop clean industries and improve energy security, rail freight is expected to reduce carbon emissions and energy dependence significantly. According to UIC, Adrian Mazur, representing the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure, spoke of the critical role of rail in strengthening logistics chains to support the EU’s climate and defense goals, while NATO’s Assistant Secretary-General for Executive Management, Carlo Borghini noted rail’s importance in ensuring preparedness and resilience in logistics, particularly in crisis times.
Cross-Border Efficiency and Combined Transport
A key topic of discussion was capacity management to improve cross-border train efficiency, with 50% of rail freight movements involving multiple countries. The European Union’s ongoing revision of the Capacity Management Regulation was discussed, particularly its impact on the ability of freight trains to move seamlessly across borders. MEP Tilly Metz, the Rapporteur for the EU Regulation on Capacity, pointed out the need to streamline cross-border circulation to support the single market and EU defence objectives, CER reports.
Another important topic was Combined Transport, which allows for better integration between rail and road. MEP Flavio Tosi, guiding the revision of the EU Directive on Combined Transport, noted the importance of creating the right incentives to enhance the integration of rail with other modes of transport. PKP Cargo CEO Marcin Wojewódka commented, "Combined transport plays a very important role for PKP CARGO, this is the area which we are most interested in developing and strengthening, which is why we are waiting with great hope for the amendments to the directive on combined transport. We hope that the Polish Presidency, with the support of all EU institutions, will take a big step in this direction."
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Digital Transformation and the Future of Rail Freight
As rail freight continues to evolve, the event also focused on the digital transformation underway in the sector. Discussions centered on the potential of Full Digital Freight Trains to improve efficiency, safety, and customer service. A panel discussion was dedicated to the deployment challenges and benefits of integrated digital technologies, particularly data-sharing within logistics chains. CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola said, "Rail freight and its diverse services must be recognized, promoted, and supported to achieve a strengthened, sustainable, and interconnected Single Market. Clean and decarbonized logistics chains are vital for enhancing Europe’s competitiveness, strategic autonomy, security, and defense. We are extremely pleased with the high level of representation at the event, which greatly enriched our discussions."
UIC Director General François Davenne spoke about the broader role of rail freight in promoting sustainability and economic growth, stating, "Rail freight is not merely a mode of transport but a cornerstone for achieving sustainable, resilient, and interconnected global logistics. By aligning our efforts at forums like this, we amplify our collective impact and ensure rail freight remains at the forefront of solutions for decarbonization, digital transformation, and economic growth. The dialogue and commitments forged here today will shape the strategic priorities for rail freight in the years to come, reinforcing its role as a driver of sustainability and competitiveness."
As Europe faces a future of climate change, energy challenges, and increasing global competition, rail is positioned as a key driver for a low-carbon future, contributing to economic growth and strategic autonomy.
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Source: CER: UIC